Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?

[glitch]

So what's the latest with these frames - any improvements made quality wise?

I am currently riding a nice steel allroad bike (for comfort) and an older aeroframe (for speed) but I am looking to replace the aero bike with something a bit more allround.

The aero bike is amazing when going really fast, but most of my riding is done solo on rolling terrain with no long steep climbs (except the occasional trip somewhere with real mountains).

For comfort, I will keep my steel bike, but I would like something:

- lighter than the aero frame (which probably sits around 1300 g for the fram painted size 56
- doesn't need to have monster clearance, I don't see myself going above 32C width since I have the other bike for that
- still should have some aero credentials
- slightly more forgiving than the aero bike but again for max comfort I ride my steel bike
- still racey geometry

Basically a Cannondale SuperSix Evo but without the price tag

Considering the X68, but somehwat put off reading about fork breaking, BB delaminating .etc.....

Also eyeing the new LightCarbon LCR020 / TanTan TTX-67 but I guess those would be really similar to my current aero bike....Looked att the LCR017 but put off by the boxy downtube / not very aero looking tubes.
Yishun R033D looks pretty sweet too, but not sure if they do 1 pc sale to retail customers.

Any other frams to consider?

[rosteven]

So what's the latest with these frames - any improvements made quality wise?

I am currently riding a nice steel allroad bike (for comfort) and an older aeroframe (for speed) but I am looking to replace the aero bike with something a bit more allround.

The aero bike is amazing when going really fast, but most of my riding is done solo on rolling terrain with no long steep climbs (except the occasional trip somewhere with real mountains).

For comfort, I will keep my steel bike, but I would like something:

- lighter than the aero frame (which probably sits around 1300 g for the fram painted size 56
- doesn't need to have monster clearance, I don't see myself going above 32C width since I have the other bike for that
- still should have some aero credentials
- slightly more forgiving than the aero bike but again for max comfort I ride my steel bike
- still racey geometry

Basically a Cannondale SuperSix Evo but without the price tag

Considering the X68, but somehwat put off reading about fork breaking, BB delaminating .etc.....

Also eyeing the new LightCarbon LCR020 / TanTan TTX-67 but I guess those would be really similar to my current aero bike....Looked att the LCR017 but put off by the boxy downtube / not very aero looking tubes.
Yishun R033D looks pretty sweet too, but not sure if they do 1 pc sale to retail customers.

Any other frams to consider?

You may want to read deeper into this forum as TanTan fixed the X-68 fork issues a while ago, and I have only seen one case of BB issues (but I may have missed something)...

[glepore]

About to pull the trigger one of these X68 frames and had some questions..

-Is it worth shopping around on AliExpress for an upgraded handle bar, such as ones that are compatible with SL8's? Just how flexy are these stock bars? Has anyone tried a different integrated cockpit with success? Worth it to shop outside of AliExpress?

-Recommend upgrading steerer plug or are folks having good luck with the one supplied?

-Out of precaution, any tools or methods to help clear excess carbon out of the seat tube for Di2 battery?

-Should I just book a time at my LBS to have the brake mounts faced or can it reasonably be done yourself with a file and some elbow grease?

Feel free to recommend any other parts or supplies for the build.

How optimistic is it to expect it's arrival to the states by end of July if ordered tomorrow? (6/12)

I don't have any issue with the stock bars...but I'm light, and have a puny sprint. There is a little flex in the drops but not horrible and none at tops/hoods.

Mine came with a crap expander. I used an extralite anyway. The one that is a Specialized clone is ok but it can be a giant pain to remove the lower wedge, same with oem.

You'll have a better chance of getting one within your timeline if you order a color that they happen to have in stock...

[FLXer88]

So what's the latest with these frames - any improvements made quality wise?

I am currently riding a nice steel allroad bike (for comfort) and an older aeroframe (for speed) but I am looking to replace the aero bike with something a bit more allround.

The aero bike is amazing when going really fast, but most of my riding is done solo on rolling terrain with no long steep climbs (except the occasional trip somewhere with real mountains).

For comfort, I will keep my steel bike, but I would like something:

- lighter than the aero frame (which probably sits around 1300 g for the fram painted size 56
- doesn't need to have monster clearance, I don't see myself going above 32C width since I have the other bike for that
- still should have some aero credentials
- slightly more forgiving than the aero bike but again for max comfort I ride my steel bike
- still racey geometry

Basically a Cannondale SuperSix Evo but without the price tag

Considering the X68, but somehwat put off reading about fork breaking, BB delaminating .etc.....

Also eyeing the new LightCarbon LCR020 / TanTan TTX-67 but I guess those would be really similar to my current aero bike....Looked att the LCR017 but put off by the boxy downtube / not very aero looking tubes.
Yishun R033D looks pretty sweet too, but not sure if they do 1 pc sale to retail customers.

Any other frams to consider?

I can offer the other frames I was eyeing as they were somewhat similar in geometry to the SL8/X68:

-SPcycle R088
-Velobuild 268
-Ican A9
-Lightcarbon LCR018 (one size down)

[FLXer88]

Can anyone here confirm that the chainstay thickness is the same as the SL8 (I believe 25mm?) at the rear caliper mount? Trying to make sure I have the right length Shimano bolt before the frame arrives.

[Tpower59]

Like it ?

[crazyravr]

Like it ?

I can understand the funny custom decals, but the stickers on the wheels, come on.

[Tpower59]

I can understand the funny custom decals, but the stickers on the wheels, come on.

Will remove them don’t worry

[jermu]

About to pull the trigger one of these X68 frames and had some questions..

-Is it worth shopping around on AliExpress for an upgraded handle bar, such as ones that are compatible with SL8's? Just how flexy are these stock bars? Has anyone tried a different integrated cockpit with success? Worth it to shop outside of AliExpress?

-Recommend upgrading steerer plug or are folks having good luck with the one supplied?

-Out of precaution, any tools or methods to help clear excess carbon out of the seat tube for Di2 battery?

-Should I just book a time at my LBS to have the brake mounts faced or can it reasonably be done yourself with a file and some elbow grease?

Feel free to recommend any other parts or supplies for the build.

How optimistic is it to expect it's arrival to the states by end of July if ordered tomorrow? (6/12)

At first I thought that the handlebar was a real noodly one, perhaps because just before I built and rode a Velobuild Aero Gravel that literally has no flex anywhere. Now after close to 5k km I find that it just perfection.

I had something on the seat tube but after some juggling Di2 battery went in. Did not come out though when I switched to a 0 offset post. So far no noise from it so I quess for now it can just chill there.

Brake mount filing was a bit of a pain in the ass for the front mount, can still hear a rub on hardset sprints. Rear only required minor filing.

Parts that I replaced: headset bearings, seatpost, derailleur hanger
Parts that I would also have replaced with what I know now: headset spacers

[crazyravr]

Will remove them don’t worry

Nahhhhhhhhhh you wont You put them there for a reason.

[feris0n]

Parts that I would also have replaced with what I know now: headset spacers

What was wrong with the headset spacers?

[PLiving80]

I message about this bike this morning it is no longer avaiblae. All they have is remaining stock or full bikes apparently someone has bought the mould a customer.                                                            Seems strange as it basically and SL8 copy what business would buy this 

[jermu]

What was wrong with the headset spacers?

I dont know if it is because of the material or poor manufacturing but I've had to silicone mine twice because those creaked. I use only the mandatory 2 pieces that guide brake hoses from cockpit to headtube.

[glepore]

I message about this bike this morning it is no longer avaiblae. All they have is remaining stock or full bikes apparently someone has bought the mould a customer.                                                            Seems strange as it basically and SL8 copy what business would buy this 

LOL. With the sl9 coming out in a week or two the market for sl8 copies likely is going to be near zero.

[Sander2177]

LOL. With the sl9 coming out in a week or two the market for sl8 copies likely is going to be near zero.

I have already ask that question the X72 
Maybe my X68 goes up in value as well 
Be interesting to see if it doe pop up for sale rebranded, but cannot see it myself I think with the SL9 due for release next week people will stop buying it but they did have a new UDH version couple of weeks ago as well.